Description

Looking for a showstopping holiday treat that combines nostalgia with bold flavor? Grandma’s Fruit Cake is the perfect answer. This rich, dense loaf is filled with juicy dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and warming spices, making it a must-have for your holiday dessert table. Ideal for a quick breakfast, an easy dinner dessert, or thoughtful edible gifts, this easy recipe gets better with time and is packed with comforting food ideas. Whether you’re after classic baking or new breakfast ideas, this fruit cake fits right in.

Ingredients

2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, golden raisins, currants, cherries, pineapple)

1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup dark rum or brandy (or orange juice)

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. Soak the dried fruits in rum, brandy, or orange juice for at least 12 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a loaf or bundt pan with parchment paper.

3. Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and orange zest.

5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.

6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

7. Drain soaked fruits, toss with a spoonful of flour, then fold fruits and chopped nuts into the batter.

8. Spoon batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

9. Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

10. Cool completely, then wrap in soaked cheesecloth and foil to age for at least 1 week before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, age the cake wrapped in rum-soaked cheesecloth for at least a week.

Tossing the fruit in flour keeps it from sinking to the bottom.

Check the cake after 1 hour 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Holiday/Traditional

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 380
Sugar: 36g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: fruit cake, holiday recipe, easy dessert, Christmas cake, quick breakfast, easy dinner dessert, food ideas